Measurement of Perceived Physician Empathy in Orthopedic Patients

BACKGROUND: Empathy is a key component of a therapeutic relationship. Perceived empathy and compassion are associated with patient satisfaction, reduced symptoms, and adherence to treatment. OBJECTIVE: To assess the advantages and disadvantages of the validated Jefferson Scale of Patient’s Perception of Physician Empathy (JSPPPE) and the Consultation and Relational Empathy (CARE) tools. METHODS: Eighty-four patients completed the JSPPPE and the CARE measure. With Pearson’s correlation and exploratory factor analysis, we measured the underlying construct. Flooring and ceiling effects were measured. Multivariable models were created to assess factors associated with both measures. RESULTS: The high interquestionnaire correlation (rho = 0.70) and factor loading (0.77) confirm that the JSPPPE and CARE measure the same construct. The CARE (55%) had a higher ceiling effect than JSPPPE (18%). Both JSPPPE (partial R(2) = 0.53, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.38-0.64) and CARE (partial R(2) = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.46-0.69) accounted for similar amounts of variation in satisfaction with the orthopedic surgeon. CONCLUSION: Perceived empathy accounts for a substantial amount of the variation in satisfaction. The JSPPPE measures the same construct as CARE with a lower ceiling effect. Because both questionnaires have considerable ceiling effects, a new questionnaire might help to study factors associated with a more empathetic experience.